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22 September, 2011

Country Living Inspired Découpage Pumpkins

I am really excited about my latest project…my Country Living inspired découpage pumpkins! I knew this would be my next project when I spied…

…this on the cover of their latest issue! Isn’t this simply gorgeous? I love the way the pumpkins look as though they have been covered with fabric even though it is actually paper!Sooo...the magazine hopped in my cart and went straight home with me! Next, I went right to work assembling what I needed. And, as luck would have it, just about everything was half price at Michael’s…including the cream faux pumpkins!

I decided that a few things about my pumpkins would be different from those in Country Living. First, I chose a damask pattern rather than toile for one of them. There’s already so much toile in my house and I wanted these pumpkins to stand out. And then, I also decided that I would use the cream pumpkins just as they are rather than paint them white. That just fits better with my decor. Other than that, for the most part, I followed their instructions, found online here.

For the damask pumpkin: 1. I chose a fabric with a simple damask pattern that would be easy to work with…Premier Prints Avery in Greenage…and bought just enough to have one repeat of the design. I scanned and printed it, making several copies. I used Walmart's cheapest copy paper so that it would be as thin as possible. Remember…you are working with paper copies of fabric…not fabric!2. Next, I cut them out and spaced them according to the design, taping them to the pumpkin. 3. I removed the tape and attached each piece of the design to the pumpkin one by one, using matte finish Mod Podge…my new BFF. (Mine was a 25 cent yard sale find.) The process requires some finesse and patience and, quite honestly, it helps if you have some experience with découpaging spheres.4. Give the pumpkin a thin all-over coat, let dry and you are done! This was the easiest one, so if you only want one, I suggest this one!

The calico print pumpkin was a little harder:1. I couldn’t find any fabric that would do, so I bought scrap booking paper and scanned and printed it. The scrap booking paper would be too thick as is. Plus, I needed about 3 pages to cover the pumpkin.2. I cut lengthwise pieces about 1 1/2 inches wide, working within the pattern. I attached them with Mod Podge as before. It helps to cut alternating notches about 1/3 of the way in to allow for the curves of the pumpkin.3. Eventually, the strips got off a little and I had to straighten them back up by piecing in a few odd shapes. Here, you can see an empty spot I am about to cover. 4. Once again, I finished with another final all-over coat of Mod Podge and…taa daa!

The pumpkin quilt design was downloaded from Country Living’s web site. I followed their instructions and measured and calculated the size and number of designs I would need and adjusted. A program such as Photoscape…free to download…was really helpful here, since I had to adjust the color a little also. I found it helpful to make small pencil marks on the pumpkin for the top and bottom of the design. The little yellow lines are perfect places to cut in some notches to allow for the curve of the pumpkin. If it’s not perfect, it’s OK since you can’t see all sides of the pumpkin at once! A final coat of Mod Podge to the whole pumpkin and you are through!

I didn't have a suitable stand for the pumpkins, so I made my own by painting a small flower pot and a larger saucer and hot-gluing them together. They were also half-price at Michael’s! I used an ivory spray paint since my pumpkins are cream.

Baby Kitty says his favorite pumpkin is the one with orange patches…I wonder why!

Here are my pumpkins in their copy-cat magazine pose…work it, girls!

And here they are with my inspiration…not exactly alike, but just what I wanted for my house! Total spent on the project...about $25. Not bad, huh? And I'll have them forever! What do you think?

And...a little added note...I am excited to say that my pumpkins were featured in their magazine! Thanks, Country Living!

Wow! this is simply amazing! I LOVE it! You are so innovative...love the design and patterns you chose... truly one of a kind fall decor! Thanks for sharing the steps with us. Have a great weekend~Poppy

OMG Debbie....you are so very talented!I can tell you were a teacher because you are so very good at following instructions!I am wondering can you just use scrapbook paper that you already have instead of scanning it in?These are fabulous....better than the mag.!Hugs,Cindy

REally pretty -- I especially like your damask version. I have used pretty paper napkins, separated, to decoupage on various things, and because the paper is so thin, it also works well on curved objects. I immediately thought of that when I saw that CL cover shot. Did you use regular printer paper, or something thinner?

Wow, Debbie....where to begin?? First, the pumpkins are beautiful -in fact, I prefer your damask to the toile print. Second, that was a lot of work, but now you have them for years to come. Third, love the clay pot and dish for the pedestal. That was very clever! Also,it will work for soooo many things! Bien fait! Linda (p.s. Look for PB to start featuring a clay pot pedestal!)

Thanks, Cindy and Ellen! I'm glad you like them. To answer your questions, I think the scrap booking paper would be too thick for découpage...or at least, this paper was. I printed everything on the cheapest paper that Walmart sells so that it would be thin and easy to work with! Paper napkins are a great idea, Ellen!

You've done a fantastic job! My Country Living magazine was waiting for me when I returned from visiting my sister and painting pumpkins - I just loved the looks created! Great step by step tutorial!Hope you have a great day,Kathy

Debbie, they are fantastic and every bit as good as the CL ones. In fact I like how your colors are a little more vivid than those in CL. Thanks for sharing, these look like a great project to share at church.

GF you are just rocking with these projects lately. I LOVE these pumpkins, and in fact I like yours better than theirs. Not sure I could pull off the quilt one, sounds like too much math involved for me. LOL

Just about as cute as a June bug on a magnolia blossom in springtime. I love these, they are so clever and look so professional. I think you did a great job and they are faux so they will last forever. I am impressed. Richard from My Old Historic house.

Omgosh I just showed these to Hubby wehn I got my magazine this week and said how much I love these!! He liked them too, wait until I show him yours. They are fantastic!! As always you did a wonderful knock-off job!!! I am totally impressed, xo Kathysue

I think my first comment was lost. If not, please delete this one. I never finished reading my CL yet to see how they made those, but just by looking at the photos here, I couldn't tell yours from CL's. I like your's better b/c the colors are more vivid, and I really like the damask. You did another great 'knock-off' project. Have a great weekend!

I think you have more than your fair share of patience! I'd be covered in glue and end up decoupaging the cats. And who would have thought to use a planter dish and pot to make a stand? Great work/play!

they are gorgeous!!!...you did a great job...and as soon as I got my CL mag from the mailbox, I said to my neighbor...Oh wow...look at these...I'm sooooo making them!!!...now I need to get to it!!...you are quick....thx for sharing and inspiring me to do it too!!...my magazine has been on my kitchen counter since it arrived....!!...enjoy them...xo, Mariaelena

When my copy of Country Living arrived and I saw the cover, I think I actualy swooned! I can't wait to make some. the ones you created are GORGEOUS! thanks for more inspiration and for sharing at TTF. Have a fantastic weekend!

I was so excited when I saw your post because I just started working on my modge podge pumpkins today! I got the Country Living magazine the other day and just LOVED the cover and knew I would have to do it. I am trying a houndstooth pattern - we'll see how it turns out! Yours look beautiful!-Shelley

Your pumpkins are gorgeous - I especially love the damask one...even more so than the toile. I've never tried Modge Podge, but it seems to have a multitude of uses, so I'll have to give it a go!Great, easy to follow tutorial - thanks for sharing!

WOW! These are beautiful!! My most favorite pumpkin I've seen yet in blog land. I would be honored if you linked them up to my Linky Party! www.projectqueen.orgI'm your newest follower and can't wait to come back.PS LOVE YOUR KITTIES

I ADORE it! I like the ones in Country Living, but I think yours are much prettier. I've really been struggling with my mantle, but I think you can me an idea for just what I need to do. I'm your newest email subscriber!

These are gorgeous, I made 3, but they are not nearly as perfected as yours but still very nice. One I did with pictures of my daughter taken in fall/halloween and when she cme for dinner last night I gave it to her. She has just bought her first home. The other two were smaller and I used napkins. One had birds on it and I love it. Thank you for the tips, and its too bad these pumpkins won't last a lifetime.You did such a fab job on yours.Happy FallHugs,Ellen

Hi, I'm visiting from next door at Met. Monday! I just picked up that magazine last night and wanted to try the pumpkins. Thanks for paving the way and letting me know all the details. Looks like a fun project and I love the way yours turned out.

Fabulous! I agree w the rest that your creations are better than CLs! I have a question... are these real pumpkins? I assume they are, but how will they not mold and rot? Or are these inexpensive plastic replicas? (they don't look it!)

Love them! I have been wanting to try them the minute I saw the magazine cover. I see you were a french teacher. My daughter loves taking french - she is a bit obsessed and wants to go to France for her 16th bday. Any tips for a family of 6 traveling to France? I would love to hear them!

Debbie, These are just the most amazing creations- I loved CL's cover when it arrived in the mail. Haven't had any time to create lately, but I may have to give my new pumpkins a little Mod Podge job. hugs, Sue

I haven't done anything with them yet because I couldn't decide what to do, but now that I have read your fabulous tutorial, I think I need to get started. Love all the suggestions from what paper to use and to copy fabric. Thanks a ton.Jacqueline

The pumpkins are fabulous and I admire you for tackling the job. I probably will not but am so grateful to know where I can find white pumpkins. We don't have a Michaels in my little town but I'm going through a town that does tomorrow. How fortunate that I read your blog tonight. I am a newbie to your pages.

Debbie, Kathysue just left a comment saying you had découpaged pumpkins, too. So I had to see them. I love yours! Love your idea of using a white pumpkin and just placing the individual patterns on top. It's looks great! Unfortunately, they only had really tall thin pumpkins when I visited the Michael's near my home.

THESE are Spectacular Debbie! Also an inspiration that makes me wanna try it.

I seen the other day (At QofHearts on Buford) where they made pumpkins out of stuffing fabric and then using twine to make the indentions...I'm going to try that since I already have fabric and twine. Wish me luck! ;)

So cute!! Your's turned out amazing! I did a cookie version http://allpossiblethings.typepad.com/possible_baker/2011/10/shabby-chic-pumpkin-cookies.html but you may have just inspired me to give the real thing a try:)

These are BEAUTIFUL!! What a great idea...thanks for sharing. I found your blog from the Debbiedoos blogging Party. I'm your newest follower. I'd love you to stop by my blog & follow along!Sallyloveofhomes.blogspot.com

No wonder they featured your pumpkins... Your picture was far and away better than theirs! I am going to do puimpkins like this, this year. Decorating for fall is my FAVORITE.... because it means Christmas is close...which is also my favorite!!!

These turned out absolutely amazing. I love, love, love your design and featured them on my no-carve, beautiful pumpkin round up today - linking back for the complete tutorial. :-) http://www.meaningfulmama.com/2013/09/10-beautiful-carve-pumpkins.html#comments

I love these! Hope you don't mind that I included your link on my blog post. These are great! I think I'm going to have to get the kids to help me make some for the porch. You can find the post here: http://definingcrazy.com/2013/10/08/diy-fall-decor-roundup-2/

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